No one is more special that your own mother”Žespecially on
Mother's Day. Celebrate your own mother and "Mother Nature" with one of these
five great green gift ideas. These options offer a sustainable alternative to
the chemical-laden flowers and mass-produced chocolates that dominate the
market on Mother's Day.

1. Buy eco-friendly flowers

Although they are a beautiful part of
nature, flowers aren't always eco-friendly. Most flowers are grown with a slew
of chemicals and pesticides. They also typically come from warmer climates,
such as South America, and have to make a long temperature-controlled journey
before they reach your door. Opt for a greener option instead. There are several
companies that sell eco-friendly
flowers that are organically and locally grown. You could also purchase a
potted plant from your local nursery. Not only are potted plants greener, they
typically last a lot longer than a fresh-cut bouquet.

2. Make a donation

Instead of buying your mom a trinket or
knickknack this year, buy her something that will make her feel good. Make a
donation to her favorite charity or pick one you think she would want to
support. Avoiding commercial products in favor of a donation can help reduce
your environmental impact and help a worth charity make a difference in the
world.

3. Take her somewhere

If a donation isn't quite your mom's style,
you can still get away with not buying a physical present. Instead, treat your
mom to a special outing. Take her to an eco-friendly day-spa, out to a fancy
dinner or take in a play at your local theater.

4. Go Consumable

If you just have to purchase a physical
gift, opt for something consumable. A nice bottle of wine makes a great gift.
Once it's been consumed, the bottle can be recycled. A box of Fair Trade chocolate is another smart
alternative. The chocolate is often produced through small-scale operations on
sustainable farms. Plus chocolate is just delicious.

5. Try recycled jewelry

Jewelry makes a great Mother's Day gift and
there are lots of eco-friendly options on the market. A number of jewelry
companies make jewelry out or recycled
silver, gold or even glass. Another green option is to buy used jewelry at a
flea market or antique store.